Arsene Wenger says he’s ”proud” of how effectively former Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has performed for Argentina on the 2022 World Cup.
- Martinez shining in Argentina’s colors
- Began his journey with Arsenal
- Wenger lauds his achievements
WHAT HAPPENED? Martinez joined Arsenal’s academy ranks again in 2012 when Wenger was nonetheless accountable for the north London membership, however spent the subsequent eight years struggling to interrupt into the senior crew. The Argentine was despatched for a number of mortgage spells throughout his time on the Emirates Stadium earlier than lastly getting his likelihood after an damage to Bernd Leno in the direction of the top of the 2019-20 marketing campaign. Martinez impressed between the sticks for Mikel Arteta’s aspect however was bought to Aston Villa later that summer time, and the Argentine has since insisted that the Gunners ”did not deserve” to have him on their books. Regardless of his failure to make a mark at Arsenal, Wenger fondly remembers his ardour for the sport and takes nice satisfaction in how far he has come, with the 30-year-old now only one sport away from turning into a world champion.
WHAT THEY SAID: The legendary former Arsenal supervisor has advised Mirror Sport: ”I’m very completely satisfied for him. We had been conscious of his enormous qualities. He was decided and had a need to be taught and a giant ardour for the sport. Typically he went out on mortgage and didn’t even play. Nevertheless it didn’t cease his perception and motivation. After I see him now play realizing what he went by means of I like much more his achievement. Effectively accomplished Emi, we’re pleased with you.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Martinez has been good between the sticks throughout Argentina’s dream run to the World Cup remaining, most notably conserving out two penalties in a quarter-final shootout win over the Netherlands. Martinez was on high kind once more of their 3-0 semi-final win over Croatia, which ensured that Lionel Scaloni’s aspect will get a chance to struggle for the title on Sunday.
IN THREE PHOTOS:
Getty PhotographsGetty
Justin Setterfield/Getty Photographs
WHAT NEXT FOR MARTINEZ? France beat Morocco 2-0 within the second semi-final to arrange a showpiece conflict with Martinez and Argentina on the Lusail Stadium on December 18.
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